Helloooo Lunatics! Happy Autumn, Fall and October!
I am in a happy mode since, as you can imagine, October. is. it. for. me!! Salem is the place to go and I am here for it all this season again. Especially this month when we have Friday the 13th, a solar eclipse on October 14, a Lunar eclipse on October 28 and All Hallows Even on October 31! Add to that two trips to Salem, MA and I am done. This month is never long enough. It might as well be the holidays for me!
Why is October so important? It is part of my life and my essence. It all starts with the leaves changing colors, decorating the house, pumpkin-picking with the kids, getting dressed up in costumes, and absolutely my most favorite thing: visiting Salem. In October? Crazy, right?
I live about two hours away from Salem, Massachusetts so for over ten years now, I have been going to Salem almost every year, including during the pandemic. There is something magical in the air, and no, I am not trying to be cliché. I love that from the time I get off the exit, I can feel the energy vibrating in the air. It’s in the decorations, in the colorful mums outside decorating the houses, it’s all the Halloween decorations, it’s the dreaded traffic and it’s the people walking dressed up in the most ridiculous yet funny outfits, which make me glow up in pure joy!
Going to Salem has really truly become a ritual for me. If you know nothing about the Salem witch trials, Salem is the place to learn about the history and there’s so much to talk about.
This year, I most likely will visit Salem twice. My oldest daughter has never been and may be taking her on a tour of Salem with our grandkids and her husband. I may also take a small group who may want to just hang out for the day!
Here are some tips for you to enjoy your trip!
1. Go early to find parking. You are being warned.
I like to arrive early – around 10am at the latest and that’s late in my opinion. Why? October is Salem season. So, keep in mind that parking is really, really rough in October so you want to definitely get there early in the day. Residents have all the right to demand that parking is available to them. They are taxpayers after all, and it’s only fair.
There are a number of parking garages in town, so it’s really important that you arrive early so you can grab a space. Otherwise, you will be driving around in circles for a good hour before you can even park or you will find the furthest parking in town. Parking garages in October go anywhere between $20 and $30 a spot for the day. Once you’re parked, everything is within walkable distance. Everything!
2. Load yourself up with patience
As I said, Salem is extremely popular in October. Therefore, the lines are ridiculously long everywhere. They are long at the restaurants, at the attractions, at the stores, at the coffee shops – there is no way you can get in and out because people are there taking everything in. So my second suggestion is to arm yourself with a lot of patience. If you have little kids… Read below.
3. Kids. Little kids. Other kids.
I strongly advise you that you consider if you really want to take little kids with you. For me, more than having fun or having them see Salem is a thing of safety. Every weekend, thousands and thousands of people descend onto Salem. As far as I can remember, knock on wood, there has never been an incident. Salem PD is always on. People tend to behave, even when they’re drinking.
Also, going to Salem is usually a day-long experience. At least, it is for me. Kids get tired of walking around, being shoved here and there from one place to the next. If you want them to have a good time in Salem, maybe October is not the best place. However, as a parent/grandparent, it is up to you to decide.
4. Visit the Cemetery – Seriously!
For me, a must-go-to stop is the cemetery on Charter Street where I feel the energy pulsating through the rocks and through the headstones. I am sure that for other people, the cemetery may be a place to visit filled with curiosity or sheer morbidity because I have seen and heard it there. For me, it’s my own pilgrimage to pay homage and respect to those who were victimized, tortured and killed because of their beliefs. Unfortunately, many of those souls were accused of allegedly being witches without even getting a chance at a fair trial.
While you are there, be respectful. It is a burial ground, after all. Leave your offerings if you must or lift the spirits in prayer. They will be grateful to you.
5. Meet Samantha Stevens at the Bewitched Statue
If you’re visiting Salem for the first time, this is one of the places that you absolutely must not, must not, must not miss! You have to stop and take a picture with the Queen Witch, Samantha Stevens, from Bewitched, one of the many shows in the 70s that started a lot of it for me. The statue is at the corner of Washington and Essex Strees. You can’t miss it. You may have to make a b-line to take a few photos as other tourists are thinking of the same!
6. Go Shopping!
Right on Essex Street, you will find one of the shopping meccas of Salem! The other one is down by Derby Street near the waterfront. The area between Essex Street and New Derby Street has everything from restaurants to t-shirts to souvenirs to decorations to boutiques to candy shops and all kinds of Salem-inspired goods.
Although I like to go shopping, I am very careful while I shop. I dont care for those little “made in China” goods with ridiculously marked up prices. And, yes – Salem can be a tourist trap around October, but it’s how a lot of business make their money because of the thousands and thousands of people who go to visit.
I like to go to places where I can get handmade goods or antiques from local vendors. I found my Pentagram ring in an antique shop many years ago and still carry it. It is a very special ring. Also, I went last year (2022) and met this awesome girl about maybe eight years old and her Mom. The girl has her own business and I bought a T-shirt, some patches and a poster that she designed and her dad printed for her to sell. Why not support her in her dreams of filling up her own college fund.
I also like jewelry. So I tend to buy handmade stuff like wire-wrapped stones, earrings, etc. It makes me happy to help others in one way or another. I am a big believer of putting out without being concerned about what I get back.
If you can, go down the Derby Street area, where you will find a number of little boutique shops to buy your goodies. One of my favorite shops there is Enchanted Shop by Laurie Cabot and her family. She’s the Official Witch of Salem and most of my learnings came from her books.
7. Get something ridiculous delicious to eat!
If you search for a place to eat, I strongly recommend that you call ahead to make a reservation. The lines can be ridiculous especially during peak times (lunch/dinner).
One of my local favorite restaurants is Finz and you can get some mean fish tacos there. We have gone very often and although I prefer the initial location where we first ate years ago, the new place is not too bad. Finz is down by the Derby Street area near the waterfront.
The other place I love to go to is The Derby Restaurant and Bar – and you guessed it, it’s on Derby Street. Their drinks are super yummy, especially the cereal cocktails. Whoever thought of using Dunkin’ donut holes and bacon in an alcoholic drink is a genius! I will leave it at that!
8. Brew, brew and yes, also a Witch’s brew!
If you are into beers, there are about 5 breweries in town that you can check out. I am not a big beer drinker and because I usually drive back the same evening, I need to stay clear on the road. Plus, there is also that bio-break that is beer-induced, so I stay away.
However, I am sure you can find all kinds of beers and colors and tastes to make you happy. Maybe you can even take a flight at one of them and let me know how it goes!
9. Museum hopping to the max
I believe, if I remember correctly, that you can purchase a multiple stop pass at many of the museums or at the Information Center. You should definitely ask because instead of paying a full fee at each place, you can get 3 for a reduced admission price. Most of them include either a full guided tour or some type of explanation through your visit.
The Witch House at Salem will give you some of the history on the Salem witch trials and is not a bad place to stop and visit. I remember visiting years ago. It’s a more interactive display of the events and can be very sombering.
Midway to the waterfront is The Witch History Museum is another place where you can get a similar version of the Salem Witch Trials. This museum includes a guided tour and some characters along the way. You have to sit through a short introduction in the auditorium before taking the tour.
Across town, about at good 10-minute walk, you can visit The House of the Seven Gables. This one also includes a guided tour and it’s usually smaller groups. The house itself has very small corridors and low ceilings – for me, they are low because I am 6ft tall. Remember? No? Now you know.
There are tons of other museums and offerings in town! Those are my top 3 because I have visited, but I have so many more to go. Plus and you definitely must check out some of the other museums that are open throughout the year, but especially during October. They have a different vibe.
10 . Street performers are really great and a must see
Essex Street is the place to go to see every kind of funky, wonky, scary, fun, and just plain “whoa” performer. From street buskers to people in full scary costumes, you can’t miss them.
A strong recommendation is that you carry some cash with you. Why? These are street performers and it takes many of them a lot of time to get dressed up in full costume. They are very friendly and don’t mind taking a photo with you. Now, if you do, it is only kind that they get a tip. Nothing extravagant, but something mindful.
If you don’t carry cash, many of them will have a sign with their handles (names) for CashApp, Venmo, PayPal and Zelle – please be kind!
So, where is the creepy, scary stuff?
This… whoo! Right off Derby Street, you will find Liberty Street filled with “haunted house” type of experiences where a cast of characters will jump out at you – and they do! – when you least expect it. Now, I had not been to a haunted house since I was a little girl back in Puerto Rico. I don’t like being scared like that. It feels like my chest hurts.
In 2021, I took my Mom and Stepdad. He was smart because he didn’t join us. I… well, let’s just say, I hyperventilated after it was all over. I screamed and laughed so hard at the same time I ended up choking in a horrible cough!! Not a pleasant experience. Would I do it again? Sure! Why not??
You can get tickets for all three attractions also at a reduced fare right on Liberty Street. Let’s hope your scare is a good one!
Bonus: Dress in layers and wear comfy clothes
New England weather can be funny, so check before you embark on your trip to Salem! Keep in mind that once you park, you will be walking for the most part all over town. Salem is not huge by any stretch of the imagination. You will be walking, standing, walking, standing… shopping, standing. You get my drift.
Wear comfortable shoes. High heels are not recommended. Honest. We know you may want to wear a cute little Halloween costume with your high-heeled boots, but don’t. do. it…! You will regret it. Or do, and tell me all about it.
If you’re wearing a complicated costume, wear something under if you can. This way, when you get to a restaurant and need to sit down, you’re comfortable. Also, if you must use the restroom, you can maneuver without your wings or your massive armor.
Last but not least, have fun!
Salem can be a lot of fun if you are open-minded. Remember, actual people call Salem home. Do not litter, do not make a fool of yourself, spend money, and enjoy your outing.
Please leave a comment and tell me how it was for you! I can’t wait to hear about your experience if you decide to visit.
Until next time, keep living life “lightly ever after.”
